Envision this…soaking in your steamy spa, sipping hot cocoa while the snow falls lightly around you. What could be more relaxing? In order to make this relaxing moment a reality in the cold winter months of Upstate NY, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure proper operation and efficiency of your “little oasis” all winter long!

Stock up on Supplies – Check your supplies and make sure you have an extra filter cartridge and plenty of sanitizer, chemicals, test strips, and any other spa supplies you use to last you through the winter. You don’t want to be all set to jump in and relax and realize that you don’t have the supplies you need.

Protect Your Pipes – The winters in Central NY tend to be very cold and with this weather comes the risk of the pipes freezing in your spa. All you need to do is make sure that your spa’s freeze protection system is activated. This will help to maintain a constant water temperature even when you’re not using the spa. If your spa doesn’t have freeze protection, don’t worry, you can set your timer to cycle on for 15 – 20 minutes every hour, this will keep warm water circulating through the pipes and decrease the chances of them freezing.

Keep it Covered – Use your insulated cover whenever you are not using your spa. This is an essential step to help reduce the amount of energy used during the winter. Consider using a thermal blanket under the cover to help keep the heat in, reduce chemical use, and decrease moisture build-up on the cover. Remember to spray your vinyl cover with a protectant to safeguard against the harsh winter weather. If your spa is in an area outside where snow can accumulate on the cover, put a tarp over the cover each time your are done using it, then if snow does accumulate, just pull the tarp off and the snow is gone. Remember to periodically inspect your cover for tears, leakage, or other deformities. Make sure your cover fits well and is in good condition as this is the number one way to preserve your spa’s cleanliness AND save on energy expenses.

Watch the Water Level – Check the water level in your spa regularly, especially if you do not use your spa every day. If the water gets too low, the pumps and heater may stop working which may lead to freezing water.

Maintain the Water Temperature –The colder it gets, the longer it takes for your spa to heat up. It is less expensive and more efficient to maintain the water temperature of your spa on a daily basis than it is to let it get extremely cold and then reheat it when you want to use the spa. It also keeps water from freezing in the pipes and reduces chemical use.

Turn off Air Jets – The air jets inject cold air in to the spa, thus cooling the water and requiring more energy to heat it back up. So, during the cold winter months, keep the jets turned off. If you still want to use the jets, make sure they are turned off after every use.

Call now for service to fix anything that’s not working 100%. It’s no fun to head out to the spa for relaxation and find out that it isn’t working. Complete a check of the entire spa and if something isn’t working, get it fixed right away.

Add music and accessories! Make your spa area frosty and festive. With the right spa accessories, you can make your spa experience extra enjoyable. Why not add a new step, safety rail, spa caddy or a towel rack? Visit our website at http://www.tarsonpools.com/pages/spas.htm for more information on these products.

If you currently do not own a spa and would like more information on purchasing one or have questions in regards to the spa that you own please give us a call today at (315) 458-8800, or stop into our North Syracuse or East Syracuse location and we would be glad to help.

Wouldn’t it be great to come home from a long day at work and climb into your own Hot Tub to soak away all the stress and aches and pains of the work day? There are many wonderful advantages to owning a hot tub, but did you know it provides health benefits beyond stress relief? Whether you have a chronic condition or just need a way to relax, a hot tub can help enhance your life and health. Here are some conditions that can be helped with a Hot Tub:

Sleeping Problems
Spas are a great way to reduce stress, a common variable in sleep disorders. The decrease in body temperature when you exit the spa helps induce the feeling of tiredness. It is recommended you spend 15 minutes in a hot tub about 90 minutes before going to bed in order to improve the quality of your sleep.

Circulation and Blood Pressure
The massaging jets and warm water stimulate impulses of the nerves and help with blood flow, digestion and boosts your immune system. The heat also helps open up blood vessels, decreasing blood pressure.

Muscle Tension and Joint Pain
The warm temperatures of a hot tub relax your muscles and the buoyancy of the water takes pressure off the joints. These can help with pain or discomfort associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and other conditions. Massaging jets relieve pressure on your nerves and reduce tension in your body. Having multiple jets saves time by focusing on different areas at one time and you can control their intensity to accommodate your body’s needs.

Type 2 Diabetes
Participating regularly in hot tub therapy can help with symptoms of Type 2 diabetes, such as improving sleep, lowering your blood sugar, and losing weight. The buoyancy and water resistance contribute to light exercise routines that lead to weight loss and heart health. Consult with your doctor before trying hot tub therapy in order to ensure proper practices.

Enhance the therapeutic benefits of your hot tub by using the Spazazz line of products that are specially formulated for spa and bath use. These all natural blends of sensual aromas and moisturizing botanicals are spa-safe and oil-free, so they will not affect a hot tub’s pH balance or leave any oily residue behind. The therapeutic benefits of these products are numerous. They include such properties as being a natural remedy for aches and pains, an anti-inflammatory, a muscle relaxant for tension and stress, and a skin moisturizer.

Visit our website at http://www.tarsonpools.com/pages/spas.htm for ways to personalize your Hot Tub and make it a customized Family oasis as well as find out more information on the Spazazz line of products.

With all these great health benefits and relaxation products, it just makes sense to have a Hot Tub for your Family!

If you would like more information on purchasing a Hot Tub or any of the accessories please give us a call today at (315) 458-8800. Or stop into any of our seven locations to talk directly with a sales representative.

It’s easy to fall for some of the myths about home hot tubs. Tarson Pools and Spas has been in the hot tub industry for over 30 years, so as experts in the field, we are able to dispel the false information about owning and maintaining a hot tub. Here are some of the most common myths and the truth behind them

Myth: Purchasing the least expensive hot tub in the store will save me money.Fact: This statement is misleading because although you may save more money during the purchasing process, you might end up spending more down the road in maintenance. Low price spas can have less efficient insulation, pumping, heating or other essential actions. We recommend purchasing a hot tub with a higher MSRP during a promotion so that you get a quality spa for a price you can afford.Tip: When purchasing a clearance hot tub, ask why it’s on sale. If it’s a discontinued model, ask your sales rep if you’ll still be able to purchase necessary parts in the future.

Myth: All jets perform the same function, so the more the better.Fact: Jets are a great hot tub feature, but did you know they serve more than one function? There are massaging and pulsating jets, which perform two beneficial, but different functions. If you’re looking for the jets to massage certain areas of the body, find a model with jets that are located in the target areas. If you want jets that pulsate without a target area, find a model with the proper amount of jets for the size of your family.Tip: If you’re purchasing a hot tub for health reasons, ask your sales rep about strength, position and function options on the spas they carry.

Myth: If the water has a strong chemical odor, the water must be clean.Fact: A healthy hot tub will have a very light chemical odor. If the odor is strong, this could mean the water’s pH is not balanced or there are chloramines, water contaminants such as body oils or perspiration in your spa. Check your water’s pH balance to see if it is between 7.4-7.6. If the pH appears to be balanced, consult with a chemical expert at your hot tub supplier.Tip: Check your pH balance every day to avoid chemical odor and imbalances. Also, check your filter frequently because this affects the health of the hot tub.

Myth: It’s okay to use household chemicals like antifreeze and bleach for my hot tub.Fact: To avoid the hot tub water from freezing, some have tried adding antifreeze to the water to slow the process. Antifreeze is not only toxic to the skin, but it’s also very difficult to pass through the hot tub’s system. You can avoid this problem by winterizing your spa.
Using bleach to sanitize your hot tub water or cover is not a safe practice. It can irreparably damage the hot tub’s finish and the cover material. Use only the chemicals recommended when maintaining or cleaning your hot tub.Tip: High levels of bromine or chlorine can act similarly to bleach and damage the hot tub. This is another good reason to test the water’s pH every day.

Myth: Chlorine is what causes my eyes to turn red and burn in the water.Fact: Chlorine can cause slight skin irritation, but it’s not what is causing your eye irritation. The irritation is most likely due to alkalinity or an imbalanced pH. High alkalinity leads to the water becoming caustic and a low pH causes the water to become acidic. This is true of hot tubs as well as pools.Tip: If your eyes become irritated, rinse them with warm water and dry them off lightly with a clean towel.

Myth: I don’t need to use chemicals in my hot tub because I have an Ozonator.Fact: Although having an Ozonator reduces the need for chemicals, you still need to use the chemical cocktail recommended by your spa retailer. Ozone must be used with another sanitizer to maintain healthy water.Tip: There is no hot tub on the market that only requires an ozone system to sanitize hot tub water. Jacuzzi offers highly innovative hot tubs systems that give you choices on water maintenance plans.

We hope disproving these myths and providing helpful tips will make your owning or purchasing a hot tub a lot easier. If you have any questions on the information given, or on other hot tub topics, give us a call at (315) 458-8800. Hot tub promotions are going on now, so ask a sales rep about the offers available!

Central NY is the perfect place for a hot tub. The flexibility and variety of hot tubs offered allow you to enjoy your water oasis during the ever-changing seasons. Purchasing a hot tub is unique in that there are many factors that go into the selection process. We will answer the most common questions about the purchasing process and provide tips on how to find the perfect hot tub for your home.

1. Where should my hot tub go?
You can choose between an indoor or outdoor hot tub. The possibility of having either depends on whether the space meets the criteria to sustain it. For an indoor hot tub you’ll need to know whether or not the floor can hold its weight and if the ventilation is able to release steam from the room. If it’s installed outdoors, you’ll need accessibility to the proper electrical wiring to power your hot tub. We recommend working with the contractor to ensure the space selected can meet all the requirements.

2. What will I need to purchase?
For any hot tub we recommend the best cover offered for that particular model. Not only will the cover save you money by retaining heat, but it will also prevent outside elements from entering the water. This will keep the water healthy, reducing the need for cleaning and chemicals.

If you have children, you’ll want to consider a lock for the cover. This is a safety precaution to ensure no one enters the hot tub without supervision. You also have the option of purchasing stairs to make it easier to enter your hot tub.

3. What size or type of hot tub should I get?
Hot tubs come in all shapes and sizes and are meant to fit with your lifestyle. If you have a family or will use your hot tub for social gatherings, a larger model is the way to go. The smallest size offered fits 2 people whereas the largest size fits 6+ comfortably, so there’s definitely a hot tub that meets your needs.

A question to ask yourself is, what will I use my hot tub for? If you’re looking for it to ease muscle tension, pain, or any physical discomfort, then find a model that has jets located near the areas that need attention. If you’re looking to use it for fitness, ask your salesperson about fitness spas. You can also add accessories such as color lights, a music player and other fun add-ons to customize to your liking.

4. How much will it all cost?
Beyond your hot tub price tag, there are a few factors to look into in order to estimate how much you will be paying in electricity and chemical costs. How often you use your hot tub will heavily determine these costs. If you use it frequently or for longer periods of time, this will increase your electricity bill and need for chemicals. How large, what style, and your local climate will also determine the costs. Find out the rates from your local electrical company and discuss with your sales rep how you can estimate your monthly payments.

5. What kind of support will I receive once the hot tub is installed?
It’s very important to know what you’ll be getting after the sale. We’ll let you know exactly what is covered by warranty and the best practices to keep your hot tub healthy. We’ll also make recommendations when it comes to chemicals and parts to make sure you have the most cost-efficient and up-to-date parts and products.

We offer a wide selection of spas and hot tubs from two highly reputable manufacturers: Jacuzzi and Life’s Great Spas. We are confident you’ll find what you’re looking for and at a price you can afford. If you are interested in getting a hot tub for this fall season, stop in today to learn more.

In Central New York, many homeowners have considered purchasing a hot tub for the cold winters, but also long for a pool in the warm summer months. An economic way to receive the benefits of both a pool and a spa is with a swim spa. Not only do you get a hot tub spacious enough for exercise, but you can also use your swim spa all year long.

AboutA swim spa is a large hot tub that offers a swim current for ultimate resistance swimming. Each varies in size, but average around 7 ft. x 14 ft. and 3-5 ft. deep. It can be used for exercises such as water aerobics, underwater running, strength training and swimming laps. Its unique size provides room to perform all four basic strokes. You can also use your swim spa for stress relief, relaxation and family fun.

BenefitsThe swim spa provides functions that maximize its value. A standard spa can accommodate on average 4-6 people, whereas a swim spa can fit a dozen people comfortably. The compact space of a hot tub limits the amount of exercise options available, but in a swim spa you have plenty of space to perform your favorite exercise routine.

Features of the swim spa can be adjusted more easily than a pool. It is a smaller unit of water, allowing the temperature to change more rapidly at your control. You can even separate the temperature of the spa so that everyone is comfortable. When using the current you can regulate to a speed that best fits your needs. Increase the resistance for an intense cardio workout, or set the jets to low for a relaxing massage.

InstallationYou can install a swim spa wherever the technical requirements can be accommodated: indoors, outdoors, above or in the ground. If you decide to move, the swim spa is a self-contained unit and can be transported to your new home. Swim spas are customizable by size, color, and light options. Plus they offer great features such as exercise equipment and stereo systems.

If you have been considering a pool or hot tub for your home and just can’t decide, consider exactly what you want to get out of your water oasis. If you’re looking to stay warm in the winter, cool in the summer, have exercising opportunities and have a great space for socializing then the swim spa could be a great fit for you. Check out our website at tarsonpools.com to stay informed on our spa sales or stop in today to discuss installing a swim spa at your home.

The word spa is derived for the Latin “salus per aquam, which translates as “health from water.” There are many wonderful advantages to owning a spa, but did you know it provides health benefits beyond stress relief? Whether you have a chronic condition or just need a way to relax, a spa can help enhance your life and health. Here are some conditions that can be helped with a spa:

Troubled Sleeping
Spas are a great way to reduce stress, a common variable in sleep disorders. The decrease in body temperature when you exit the spa helps induce the feeling of tiredness. It is recommended you spend 15 minutes in a hot tub about 90 minutes before going to bed in order to improve the quality of your sleep.

Circulation and Blood Pressure
The massaging jets and warm water stimulate impulses of the nerves and help with blood flow, digestion and boosts your immune system. The heat also helps open up blood vessels, decreasing blood pressure.

Muscle Tension and Joint Pain
The warm temperatures of a hot tub relax your muscles and the buoyancy of the water takes pressure off the joints. These can help with pain or discomfort associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and other conditions. Massaging jets relieve pressure on your nerves and reduce tension in your body. Having multiple jets saves time by focusing on different areas at one time and you can control their intensity to accommodate your body’s needs.

Type 2 Diabetes
Participating regularly in hot tub therapy can help with symptoms of Type 2 diabetes, such as improving sleep, lowering your blood sugar, and losing weight. The buoyancy and water resistance contribute to light exercise routines that lead to weight loss and heart health. Consult with your doctor before trying hot tub therapy in order to ensure proper practices.

There are many other benefits of using a hot tub such as releasing contaminants through your pores, providing a sense of well-being, and it can be a great way to bond with your loved ones. If any of these benefits resonate with you, a spa is a great investment for your life. Come in or give us a call so we can help you pick out a spa that best meets your needs.

Have you ever wondered if you could afford a hot tub? Most people CAN! And they’re perfect for CNY (yes, even winters) and easy to maintain too if you follow these simple steps:

1) Make sure your chemical levels are within the guidelines. For example, maintain a balanced pH level according to the chemical maunfacturer’s instructions. Water should be tested about once a week or more depending on use. (Check manufacturer guidelines.)When adding chemicals, do so one at a time in two hour intervals.

2) Clean your filter regularly. Insects, leaves, etc. may make their way into your filter and affect how it runs.

3) Sanitize your hot tub with chemicals to keep it clean. Many people use chlorine, but for a less harsh smell and effect on your skin, try bromine instead. It can be placed in by granules, tablets or nuggets and kills bacteria and germs. Other options include a mineral purifier or ozone, which lower the need for bromine or chlorine.

4) On average, change your water about every 90 days. This ensures the health of your hot tub and that you have the cleanest water experience. Check your manual for the formula on how often you should change your water. It’s determined by usage.

5) Use shock oxidizers to keep your water looking clear and to help break down things such as lotion, sweat, dirt, skin oil, etc. There are chlorine or non-chlorine shocks to choose from.

*Helpful hint: detergent on a bathing suit can cause your water to foam, so before entering the hot tub rinse your suit.

6) Leave your hot tub on at all times. This will circulate the water and keep things from building up, such as algae or dirt.

* Helpful hint: set the desired temperature and then give your hot tub about 30 minutes before getting in to achieve the perfect experience.

The specific maintenance of your hot tub is unique to the brand, model and size, so you can purchase a spa that fits your lifestyle. The experience of enjoying a hot tub far outweighs the basic upkeep responsibilities that go along with being a hot tub owner.

We are the exclusive Jacuzzi dealer in Central New York. This month Jacuzzi launched a new TV ad campaign. The campaign highlights how a Jacuzzi makes you feel and we couldn’t agree more.

The first ad features BBQ and since this is Memorial Day weekend which is known for BBQ we thought it would be a great time to share these with you!

Now for Jacuzzi Trivia:

Question:What did the Jacuzzi brothers invent that earned them a gold medal at the California State Fair in 1930?

Answer:The Jacuzzi brothers received a Gold Medal Award for their invention – a new type of pump that drew water out of the ground more efficiently than any pump that came before it. They successfully revolutionized hydraulic pumps used for agriculture.

By the 1950s, the Jacuzzi brothers utilized their expertise in hydraulics to benefit a young family member stricken with painful rheumatoid arthritis. They created an aerating pump designed to be submerged in a bathtub to provide pain-relieving hydrotherapeutic treatments. source

We want to wish everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend! All of our stores will be open on Sunday May 27th & Monday May 28th to assist you with your pool and spa needs.

We are currently having a photo caption contest on our facebook page the winner will receive a $50 gift certificate. Hurry become our friend and get your captions and “likes” in to win, contest ends April 27th.